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Safe Routes to School

Bike to School Day is May 6th!

May 6, 2015 is Bike to School Day in Washington and across the country. Bicycling is a fun and healthy way for students to travel to and from school. Bike to School Day events and activities encourage students (and parents) to learn more about bicycle safety and experience the benefits of bicycling. For more information please visit the National Bike to School Day website.

Safe Routes to School Program

Washington's Safe Routes to School program provides technical assistance and resources to cities, counties, schools, school districts and state agencies for improvements that get more children walking and bicycling to school safely, reduce congestion around schools, and improve air quality.

Since its inception in 2005, it has reached 230 schools, making walking and biking conditions safer for about 100,000 children. To achieve these improvements, approximately $55 million has been awarded to 140 projects from over $216 million in requests. The number of children biking and walking has increased by over 20 percent, with a measured increase in pedestrian and bicycle facilities and a reduction in motorist speeds.

Getting Results: Increasing Walking and Biking to School Safely

Click to enlarge image (pdf 124kb)

More Examples of Successful Projects

Click on the map below for a few highlights and pictures from this successful program.

Components of Safe Routes to School

There are three elements to Safe Routes to School -- engineering, education, and enforcement.

Services for Developing Safe Routes

To assist cities, counties, schools and school districts with this program, the WSDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator is currently providing no-cost technical assistance to past, current and future funding recipients, applicants and interested communities.

Other Funding

Funding to install flashing yellow beacon/lighting in designated and legally marked elementary school zones. Proposals must support the WTSC's primary goal of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries that result from traffic crashes. This goal will be accomplished through reducing motor vehicle speeds in school zones.